From Rural Doctor to Tea Party Congressman
Born in Iowa and raised in South Dakota, Scott DesJarlais earned his medical degree from the University of South Dakota before moving to Tennessee in 1993 to practice medicine. For nearly two decades, he worked as a physician in a rural community. His entry into politics came with the Tea Party wave of 2010. Motivated by what he described as his patients' growing concerns over government spending and healthcare, DesJarlais, who had never held elected office, launched a successful campaign to unseat the incumbent Democrat, Lincoln Davis. He ran on a platform of fiscal discipline, family values, and conservative ideals, which resonated with voters in Tennessee's 4th Congressional District.
A Staunchly Conservative Voting Record
In Washington, DesJarlais quickly established a reputation
as one of the most conservative members of the House. He is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of hardline conservatives known for pushing the Republican party to the right. His voting record consistently earns high marks from conservative groups like Heritage Action and the American Conservative Union and 'A' ratings from the NRA and anti-illegal immigration organizations. DesJarlais has consistently voted to cut spending, repeal the Affordable Care Act, and tighten border security. He was also an early and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, becoming the first member of the Freedom Caucus to endorse his presidential candidacy. His legislative focus often aligns with his committee assignments on the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Agriculture, where he advocates for military and farming interests in his district.
A Career Marked by Controversy and Scandal
Despite his political success, DesJarlais's career has been perpetually shadowed by revelations about his personal life. During his first campaign in 2010, details from his 2001 divorce emerged, including allegations of intimidating behavior. The controversy escalated dramatically after his 2012 reelection when the full divorce court transcripts were made public. The records revealed that DesJarlais, a publicly pro-life politician, had supported his ex-wife through two abortions and had encouraged a patient with whom he was having an affair to get an abortion. The transcripts also confirmed he had engaged in multiple affairs with patients and coworkers while he was chief of staff at a hospital. In 2013, the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners formally reprimanded him for having sex with patients and issued a fine.
Political Resilience and Continued Service
The scandals fueled multiple primary challenges from fellow Republicans who believed his past made him vulnerable. However, DesJarlais proved remarkably resilient, surviving several tough primary fights and consistently winning reelection by comfortable margins. His ability to maintain his seat is often attributed to the district's strong Republican leanings and the power of incumbency. His supporters in the 4th district have repeatedly looked past the personal controversies, choosing to focus on his reliable conservative voting record. He remains an active member of Congress, serving as the chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee in the 119th Congress and continuing to champion conservative causes.
